AutoCAD Title Block Setup

Overview

This lecture explains how to create and set up a reusable title block template in AutoCAD, covering step-by-step border creation, layout setup, text fields, and viewport management for future architectural drafting assignments.

Setting Up a New Drawing & Units

• Open AutoCAD, select "New," and use the acad.dwt drawing template.
• Save the file with a descriptive name and in a dedicated folder for easy future access.
• Change drawing units with the "UN" command, set units to Architectural, and precision to 1/16".

Drawing the Title Block Border

• Draw the main border: 17" x 11" (for 11x17 paper), with 1" left margin, and 0.25" margins on other sides.
• Offset lines inward as needed for margins using move and copy commands.
• Use precise measurements: copy lines at 7/8", 5.25", and 4" increments to create internal title block sections.

Working in Layout Space and Page Setup

• Switch to Layout ("Layout1"), delete extra layouts, and use Page Setup Manager for configuration.
• Name layouts (e.g., "11 by 17_128") and set printer/plotter to PDF format.
• Choose correct paper size (11x17, full bleed recommended) and set orientation to landscape.
• Set this layout as current for drawing.

Adding and Editing Title Block Text

• Use "MTEXT" (multiline text) for labels: place school name, course, assignment, and drawing name in appropriate boxes.
• Set text heights: 0.25" for major headings, 1/8" for smaller labels (date, scale, drawn by).
• Align and center text within boxes; duplicate for similar boxes using copy command.
• Divide boxes as needed (e.g., using "Between two points" for midlines or thirds).
• Update and personalize text fields for each assignment.

Creating and Managing Viewports

• A viewport lets you display model space content in a paper layout; move and scale as needed.
• Set viewport scale to match drawing scale (e.g., 1:1, 1/4"=1’).
• Lock viewport to prevent accidental rescaling.
• Hide unwanted viewport frames by assigning the border to the "defpoints" layer (does not print).
• Create new viewports as needed using the "VIEWPORTS" command.

Cleaning and Saving the Template

• Erase practice shapes from model space before final save.
• Save file; use as a template for future assignments by "Save As" for new projects.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Layout Space — The printable area representing paper size for plotting/printing.
• Model Space — Infinite workspace for creating actual drawing content.
• Viewport — Window in layout space displaying a specific area of model space.
• Title Block — Predefined section on drawings for project and author information.
• Defpoints Layer — Special AutoCAD layer that does not print, used for non-printing objects.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice creating a title block template using the steps above.
• Prepare the title block template for use in all future CAD assignments.
• Review text and dimension commands in AutoCAD for proficiency.